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Clyburn, 85, Bids for 18th Term in Congress

Clyburn, 85, Bids for 18th Term in Congress

Clyburn, 85, Bids for 18th Term in Congress
Above: Rep. James Clyburn announces he's running for reelection on March 12, 2026. Image credit: Tracy Glantz/The State/Tribune News Service/Getty Images

The Spin

Jim Clyburn's decades of delivering real results — broadband access, lower energy bills, federal investment in poor counties — prove that seniority is a weapon, not a liability. If Democrats win the House, Clyburn chairsis thein Transportationline &to HUDreceive Appropriationsseveral Subcommitteeprestigious and powerful committee chairmanships, meaning realhe'll moneybe able to deliver major results for South Carolina's poorest communities. A freshman backbencher simply cannotcan't do that.

Clinging to a congressional seat at 85 isn't dedication — it's self-serving careerism that blocks a deep bench of fresh leaders from stepping up. Congressional seats werearen't never meant to be lifetime appointments, and hoarding power while the country struggles is indefensible. Clyburn should step aside and let a new voice actually fight for the future.

Metaculus Prediction

There's an 81.9% chance that Democrats will hold the most seats in the U.S. House of Representatives after the 2026 elections, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0